Rep. Terri Cortvriend

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's low and moderate income housing laws to clarify definitions and streamline the approval process for developers building affordable housing. It establishes new categories for counting affordable units, including rental properties with federal vouchers and certain mobile homes, while also defining what constitutes municipal subsidies like tax abatements and zoning incentives. The legislation allows developers to submit a single application for comprehensive permits when at least 25% of a project is affordable housing, provided the city or town does not already have high levels of affordable housing with inclusionary zoning. These changes aim to make it clearer how different types of housing contribute to local affordable housing goals and simplify the permitting process for qualifying projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as School Library Month in Rhode Island to highlight the importance of school librarians and their role in student success. The resolution emphasizes how librarians help students develop literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship skills while providing access to diverse resources. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to the School Librarians of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Library Association to encourage public recognition of these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Environmental Management to maintain and repair state-owned boat ramps and docks to ensure public access to waterways. It creates a special funding account financed by fees collected from users of these facilities to cover maintenance costs. The legislation also directs the department to establish rules clarifying how maintenance responsibilities are divided between the state and local municipalities.

$20,000,000) TO SUPPORT GREEN ECONOMY AND CLEAN ENERGY BOND INITIATIVES (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $20,000,000 to support the green economy and clean energy bond initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a $25 million bond referendum to the Rhode Island voters for approval at the November 2026 election to fund a statewide bicycle infrastructure network. If approved, the state would issue bonds to finance planning, design, and construction of priority projects outlined in the Rhode Island Statewide Bicycle Mobility Plan. The funding would support building safe, connected bicycle facilities across the state to improve transportation options, reduce emissions, and promote public health. The bill requires voter approval before any bonds can be issued, ensuring public consent for the capital investment.

Increases and reallocates the fees collected for motor vehicle inspections, including motorcycle inspections, with an allocation of ten dollars ($10.00) to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA).

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $150,000 in state funding for the second year of the Main Street Rhode Island Program, which supports local downtown revitalization efforts across the state. The money will be managed by Grow Smart Rhode Island and distributed through the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to help existing and new district cohorts implement community improvement projects. The funding is specifically designated for fiscal year 2027 and must be disbursed by December 31, 2026, to support the program's administration and execution. This appropriation continues the initiative that launched in 2025 with 11 district cohorts representing 10 cities and towns.

Maddy summaryHB 7698 creates a tax credit for businesses that donate "apparently wholesome food" (food safe for consumption meeting basic safety standards) to qualifying nonprofits. Businesses like restaurants, grocers, farms, and hospitals can claim a credit equal to 75% of the donated food's fair market value, capped at $5,000 annually per business. Nonprofits receiving donations must verify the food meets safety standards and is used to serve the needy, providing a certificate to the donor. The credit applies to taxes under specific chapters of the tax code and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Provides that a defendant's third and subsequent violation of domestic violence offenses, including both prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, would be punishable as a felony.

Establishes the Residential and Commercial Property Acquisition Program Act to implement residential or commercial property acquisitions, paired with funding for relocation costs within or proximate to the current community.